She told police that she fended off sexual advances and made false promises in a bid to gain the man's trust.

Miss Ayling was eventually taken to the British consulate in Milan. Herba was arrested and remains in custody.

It was claimed that the plot to sell her unravelled when the gang found out she was a mum of a two-year-old boy.

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Miss Ayling has said she feared for her life "second by second"

Miss Ayling's lawyer, Francesco Pesce, dismissed doubts about the ordeal, saying it was "evil" to suggest that she was involved or that it wasn't real or terrifying.

She was informed she was going to be sold to somebody in the Middle East for sex and complied with her captor during the alleged kidnap because she was told she would be killed if she tried to flee, Mr Pesce added.

Speaking previously, Ms Ayling, who has since returned home to the UK, said she had feared for her life "second by second" and thanked the Italian and UK authorities.Horror picture shows kidnapped model Chloe Ayling 'drugged and helpless on floor as captors tried to auction her for sex.'